It’s that time of the week again, everyone!
This week, we have a diverse array of news stories to delve into:
- Energica’s financial woes are being addressed through an auction, as the company seeks the highest bidder.
- Ducati announces its financial results, proudly reporting revenues surpassing €1 billion.
- Harley-Davidson has once again reduced the price of their Nightster model.
- Brabus has formally initiated plans for their next high-end motorcycle – the 1400R.
- Yamaha is taking steps towards sustainability with a new carbon-neutral paint process that offers more color options and reduces environmental impact.
Let’s kick things off with the current situation surrounding Energica.
Electric Everything: Energica Set to be Auctioned Off
Energica’s Experia. Media sourced from Energica.
Minimum Bid Set at €4,275,000
Not long ago, we informed you that Energica was struggling to maintain its financial health due to some unfortunate decisions made by its parent company, leading to a bankruptcy judicial liquidation decision in October 2024.
Now, we bring you the latest update regarding Energica and everything associated with the brand.
As reported by Motociclismo, the company is set for auction. Bid submissions closed today, and tomorrow we will learn more about who emerged as the highest bidder for Ideanomics’ premier electric motorcycle brand.
What price are we expecting for Energica in this auction? Sources indicate an estimated range between €3,206,250 (the minimum bid) and €4,275,000 (the lowest acceptable price from higher authorities).
The eventual winner will obtain nearly every part related to Energica, including:
- Fully assembled motorcycles
- Partially assembled motorcycles
- Energica’s intellectual property
- Additional unnamed assets
Below is an excerpt from the auction listing outlining additional details:
– Energica auction listing (RideApart) |
Only time will reveal how much Energica fetches at the auction; in the meantime, stay tuned for updates on the new owner and all associated assets!
For further information on Energica’s auction proceedings, check out Motociclismo’s coverage:
In the Net: Ducati Reports Over €1 Billion in 2024
A 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition. Media sourced from Ducati.
New Motorcycles Coming for MY2026
It’s clear that Team Red has built a formidable empire. From Ducati’s ongoing success on the MotoGP circuit to the passionate Ducati community that gathers at each World Ducati Week event, the brand continues to thrive.
While it’s not necessary, this latest update from Ducati’s financial report serves as further evidence of the company’s dominance.
Can you guess how much Ducati generated in the recent fiscal year?
Have your guesses ready? Drumroll, please… and we hope you said more than $900 million!
According to Motorcycle.com, Ducati has posted an impressive €1,003,000,000 (approximately $1,092,417,450 USD) in profit. This marks the third consecutive year that Ducati has achieved such numbers, following €1,065 billion in 2023 and €1,089 billion in 2022 (via CycleNews).
Naturally, Ducati’s CEO anticipated such results and expressed his satisfaction with the following remarks:
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“2024 ends with a positive balance that, despite a challenging competitive environment, reaffirms our strength and sets a benchmark for profitability in the two-wheeler market. Our solid financial foundation allows us to invest significantly in research and development, innovation, and racing competitions while enhancing the uniqueness and prestige of our product range and maintaining the high-quality standards and service that define excellence. This, combined with our commitment to making every Ducatista feel part of a great family, ensures that the brand enjoys greater popularity today.” – Claudio Domenicali, CEO, Ducati (Motorcycle.com) |
Additional details about Ducati’s 2024 fiscal year include:
- Ducati’s operating result (EBIT) stood at €91 million euros (+9.1% profitability compared to 2023)
- Ducati delivered 54,495 motorcycles in 2024 (-6.40% in sales compared to 2023)
If you’re puzzled by the decrease in sales, remember that Ducati has indicated a focus on a philosophy that “preserves the exclusivity and value of its products for its dedicated customers.” (via GP Paddock). With fewer motorcycles sold and increased profits, it seems their strategy is paying off.
For more on Ducati’s financial achievements, check out the full press release excerpt on Motorcycle.com:
Deal of the Week: Harley Lowers Price of Nightster…Again
A Harley Davidson motorcycle. Media sourced from Harley-Davidson.
Watch Out, Indian Motorcycles!
The latest price reduction from Harley-Davidson has sparked some excitement, and we thought it would be worth sharing.
For nearly 120 years, the rivalry between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles has been well-known, with both brands recognized for their muscular American bikes and dedicated communities.
This long-standing competition has been compared to the rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Recently, The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles endorsed this iconic rivalry by launching an exhibition titled “Harley vs. Indian: Clash of America’s Two-Wheeled Titans” (via Wheels Of Grace).
Currently, the competition between these two prominent American brands is primarily focused on price adjustments as each strives to capture the attention of riders this season, and Harley’s latest move may have given it the edge.
Based on reports from Top Speed, Harley has once again cut the price of its popular Nightster. Originally marked at $11,999, the price has been slashed to $10,499, and now stands at $9,999 – just $2,500 under the Nightster Special version of the same model.
Why is this price cut significant? It’s placed the Nightster at the same MSRP as Indian Motorcycles’ Scout Sixty Bobber, essentially offering American riders two cruisers for under $10,000 (or three if we include Honda’s $9,599 Rebel 1100).
What are your thoughts? Would you prefer Indian’s cruiser or Harley’s newly discounted Nightster?
For further details regarding the Nightster’s price reduction, check out Top Speed’s article:
Fast Filings: Brabus Unveils New 1400R
A view of Brabus’ teaser during their 2024 event, hinting at a new motorcycle. Media sourced from Motorcycle.com.
KTM Partnership Continues Amidst Financial Turmoil
There’s something exhilarating about watching dreams of two-wheeled ingenuity manifest as registered patents, isn’t there? 🙂
Today, we acknowledge the impressive investigative work of Dennis Chung, who has uncovered approval documents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Brabus’ upcoming creation. We have been anxiously following the developments concerning Brabus’s future amidst KTM’s debt consolidation saga, and this news serves as a reassuring sign.
Now, let’s get back to those documents.
Chung’s report reveals plans for a formidable motorcycle featuring a 1400cc engine by leveraging KTM’s powerful 1390 platform. We had previously learned about a trio of models including the “Brabus 1400 R Rocket,” “Brabus 1400 R Tailor Made,” and “Brabus 1400 R Signature.” With these approval papers now on hand, it seems Brabus is poised to make significant strides.
This new 1400 R was included in the EPA’s latest updates on March 11. Given the brand’s 2024 tease featuring TRON-inspired elements (with hints of a spring 2025 reveal), we anticipate an exciting bike with unique features!
For more information about Brabus’ forthcoming 1400R, check out Chung’s article on Motorcycle.com:
The Eco-Corner: Yamaha’s New Paint Process
A view of Yamaha’s new electrified paint line processes. Media sourced from Yamaha.
Electrification Enhances Yamaha’s Paint Line
While some may avoid the higher costs of going carbon-neutral, there are smaller actions that contribute to a cleaner future. Yamaha has chosen to electrify their painting process as one of those measures.
As highlighted in Yamaha’s recent announcement, the electrification of their painting process at the Iwata Main Factory began in February, introducing a fresh and innovative approach.
The new paint line, dubbed CN1, is officially the motorcycle industry’s first all-electric product painting line, driving Yamaha towards carbon neutrality.
Concerning the materials used in this newly electrified process, it should be noted that Yamaha is utilizing lower-temperature paints in collaboration with an unnamed paint manufacturer, and investments have been made in developing a smaller facility design along with advancements in insulation and air supply recycling technologies.
Yamaha claims that CN1 improves the production process as well, enhancing overall efficiency:
– Yamaha, “Yamaha Motor Launches Motorcycle Industry’s First Carbon-Neutral Paint Line.” February 27, 2025 (Yamaha) |
CN1 is merely a step in Yamaha’s quest for carbon neutrality; the company is diligently working toward their “Environmental Plan 2050” (via Yamaha), which is aimed at eliminating all emissions within their manufacturing sites in the next ten years and extending that goal to their supply chains within the following 25 years.
Hooray, Yamaha!
What exciting new colors do you expect Yamaha will introduce with the new painting process?
For further details on the electrification of Yamaha’s painting process, view Yamaha’s press release on CN1: